"I've gone through a fair amount of trials, the team's going through trials," he said last week. "I've gone through some personal (setbacks), but that's all in the past now, and I'm looking to move forward and trying to finish the season strong."

A bit later, he was asked about his up-and-down career again.

"It's been really tough," Massaro said. "But everybody gets injured in this sport. Whether your time is when you're 22 or when you're 37 like Ray Lewis. Everybody gets hurt, it's just a matter of when it happens.

"Dealing with that stuff in years past gave me more patience and more ability to deal with adversity like that (now)."

That's why this senior season projected as such a reward.

Penn State defensive end Pete Massaro (59) tackles Indiana quarterback Ben Chappell, right, during a 2010 game in Landover, Md. That was the only season that Massaro played from start to finish, as the Nittany Lion has been plagued by injuries. (Associated Press -- File)

Chronic soreness in his repaired knees would slow him, but he would play on.

What happened at Virginia in the second week was another matter. His shoulder popped out and was bruised severely.

How does a pass-rushing defensive end do his job with one good arm?

So he would watch and wait and rehab for a third time -- though now his Penn State days were numbered.

He missed three games while trying to regain strength in the injured shoulder. Even now he wears a harness under his uniform for protection.

But, finally, he appears close to his 2010 form.

"It's really a testament to his character and the way he's persevered through adversity," said senior center and good friend Matt Stankiewitch.

Tight end Gary Gilliam, who missed two seasons with his own severe knee injury, said he checks in on Massaro most every day.

"It hurts me to see him going through what he's going through. To see him contribute and have a great game at Iowa is encouraging," Gilliam said.

"He's very strong and . . . his motor is insane. He just pushed through the pain."

Meanwhile, all of the setbacks gave him a different view at practice and in games.

He gradually became another coach, in a sense, providing detailed tutoring for Penn State's young defensive ends such as Deion Barnes, Anthony Zettel and C.J. Olaniyan.

"I'm nothing but happy for them," Massaro said. "Those guys are going to be really outstanding players. There's no use in me getting down about my injuries. I just do the best I can to help those guys get better."

He also emphasized that he never thought of quitting football through any of this.

"Not for a second. That thought never really crossed my mind. I have a persistent personality, and once I start something I see it through to the end."